The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-20
How the Fighting Was Done.

LONDON, Dec. 19-The international contest
between Jake Kilrain of Baltimore and Jem
Smith, of England. for the diamond belt and the
championship of the world, took place on the
island of ST. Pierre. in the river Seine, France.
to-day, in the presence of about one hundred
persons. There was no police interference. G..
W. Atkinson, the referee. performed his duties
with satisfaction to all concerned. Jem Smith
was seconded by Jack Bal6eck and Jack
Harper. and was attended by Jem Howes and
Dick Roberts Kilrain was seconded by Charley
Mitchell and Ned Donnelley, and was attended
by Charley RowelL Messrs. Fleming aud Hard
ing acted las time keepers and umpires The
fight was remarkable for the persistent wrestling
of the men. In the eighteenth round Smith was
knocked nearly silly by terrific smack on the
Though Smith had the worst of the falls
he fought splendidly. under great difficulties,
and fresh Kilrain when darkness
stopped the fight at AS. One hundred and six
rounds were fought, lasting two and a half
hours. The fight was declared draw.
The party left the Pars-Rouen train at the
village of Borsnieres, whence they tramped
across muddy fields and marshy lands to the
river. where there was steam launch lying
alongside the bank. The party included Lord
De Clifford, the Marquis of Queensbury, Sir
Hugh Drummond. Hon. Mr.. Sandys and Capt
Leebarber The launch took all hands on board
and steamed to the scene selected for the fight
There great difficulty was experienced in getting
a good site for the ring OF accout of tho
deep mud. Eventually an excellent ring
was pitched. Kilrain fought at 184
pounds and Smith at I8O pounds.
a heavier weight than he has fought at hereto
fore. Smiths castor was thrown into the ring,
aud followed by Kilrain's beaver. The
fight commenced at 2:10 p. NJ. 1t was lively
and energetic battle for the first three rounds
a quick give aud take, with close sparring In the
eighteenth round Kilrain got in, giving Smith a
smash on the ear which appeared 70 stun him.
In the wrestling, which formed a feature OF
a number of succeeding rounds, Smith was no
match for the American. He had the worst of
every fall. Kilrain each time coming down
heavily on his PROSTATE foe. The fight de-
clared draw. The men reached Paris at
late hour tonight after tedious journey.
The betting was on Smith at the start, veer-
ing TO Klrain later There was much wres-
tling instead of lighting. Smith had the best at
the start, and forced the fighting. Kilrain had
the advantage in the wrestling. In the eighteenth
round Kilrain hit Smith on the left ear.
ing swelling the size of egg and knocking
him down. Kilrain's right eve was closed. The
fight varied until the fifteenth round, when Kill
rain led until the nineteenth, knocking down
Smith three times and being knocked down him
self once. Smiths ear, swelling, burst, to his
grea: relief. After the nineteenth round Smiths
strength returned ana he held his own. He had
the best of the last six rounds both men fight
ing as quickly aud as strongly as at the start.
The referee ordered that the fight be resumed
tomorrow. but later Smith and Kilraiu ex-
pressed mutual respect for each other swore
eternal friendship. agreed 10 consider the fight
q draw, and pledged each other to fight Sullivan
The general opinion is the fight was the gamest
heavy weight contest of the present generation.
Smith was first TO appear on the
scene The men shook hands, and
the principals and their seconds retired TO
their corners Baldeck, who was Smiths
principal second, chose the corner which would
give his man the benefit OF fighting with his
back tc the sun. which at this time was shining
brilliantly. The start PIP. Smith,
crossing over TO his opponent, offered to lay him
E400 10 s200 on himself, similar bet having